Chemistry

Tim Jolliff - Head of Department

Gill Watson
Ian Henden
Adrian Palmer

All pupils study Chemistry to GCSE level, either as a separate subject or as part of Core and Additional Science. In Years 7 and 8 the scheme of work forms a foundation of understanding and practical experience in Chemistry as well as covering the prescribed areas for Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum. In year 9 the key stage 3 work is extended.

In year 10 the whole year group is put into five or six sets for science, the top three or four sets take on all three sciences as single subjects, the other two sets do Core and Additional Science, this involves all three sciences but the amount of each is less. All students are taught for three lessons in each of the three science subjects per year.

Sound passes in separate Chemistry or Core and Additional Science along with Maths provide entrance to AS-level chemistry in Year 12. The AQA syllabus is followed for AS and A2. This is a new course written to follow on from the new GCSE courses and incorporating some 'How ScienceWorks'.

The Chemistry department enjoys amenities of the highest quality. The labs were completely refurbished in 2001. Extensive use is made of experiments, molecular models, investigations and ICT in the teaching and learning in Chemistry.

We cater for a wide range of ability with our pass rate consistently between 95-100% in both GCSE and A-level. We have had some very talented pupils that have been stretched in 'master-classes'. Many of the Activities used in these come from the Royal Society of Chemistry book ' Chemistry for the Gifted and Talented' written by Mr Jolliff when he was the RSC School Teacher Fellow.

Recently Oxbridge places have been offered to A-level chemists for Medicine, Maths and Natural Sciences. We have enjoyed success in the Chemistry Olympiad with students gaining gold silver and bronze awards in recent years.

Famous alumni include Professor Peter Mitchell, Nobel Prize for Chemistry 1978